Body Lift

Find out everything you need to know about your body lift options

Body lift surgery, also known as belt lipectomy or lower body lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the midsection and lower body. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, and lifting and tightening the remaining tissue.

The body lift procedure typically involves making incisions around the waistline, hips, and buttocks. The surgeon will then remove excess skin and fat from the area, and may also perform liposuction to remove any additional fat deposits. The remaining tissue is then lifted and tightened, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

The specific technique used by the surgeon will depend on the patient’s unique needs and goals. In some cases, body lift may be combined with other procedures, such as breast lift or arm lift, to achieve a more comprehensive improvement in body appearance.

Body lift surgery can be an effective option for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have excess skin and tissue due to aging or pregnancy. The procedure can improve the appearance of the midsection and lower body, providing a more toned and youthful appearance.

Procedure

You’ll talk with Dr. Gartner at length during your consultation. when you express your aesthetic goals and concerns, share your medical history and current situation.

Dr. Gartner will talk with you about planning for scar care and protection to minimize their appearance as much as possible Over time, scars typically fade to be extremely faint and not obvious in light of the dramatic changes in skin and body shape. Small pockets of fat and minor sagging skin can often be effectively addressed with laser assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo performed under general or local anesthesia. Liposuction can be performed at the same time as traditional body lift surgery as well for additional improvements.

Recovery

Recovering after a body lift is an essential part of the procedure to ensure optimal results and minimize any potential complications. Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding recovery after a body lift:

Following these guidelines can help ensure a successful and smooth recovery after a body lift. Dr. Gartner can provide you with more personalized instructions and support throughout your recovery journey.

Treatment

Your surgery will be performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. Our facility is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). 

AAAASF medicare certification is considered the gold standard in accreditation and one of the highest certifications any ambulatory center can obtain in the country.

the gartner plastic surgery and laser center offers a carefully curated selection of aesthetic treatments to suit every need. we invite you to book a consultation and find out which of our facial peel options are best suited to your needs.

Benefits

WHAT A BODY LIFT CAN DO FOR YOU

At Gartner Plastic Surgery Center, we know that weight loss is hard work. When you have put your discipline and perseverance to the test, followed a healthy diet carefully and exercised relentlessly, seeing the weight come off and watching your measurements shrink is incredibly satisfying. You’ve earned the right to feel good and look good. Often massive weight loss can have conflicting results, however. Losing large amounts of fat from your body rapidly can result in a large amount of loose skin which hides your new, leaner shape. You may also see pockets of unwanted fat which no amount of diet or exercise was able to remove, despite your efforts.

There are types of fat and tissue which do not respond well to natural weight loss methods. Remaining issues like loose, excess skin can be extremely frustrating and uncomfortable. Sometimes, hanging skin can cause discomfort and affect your movement or ability to exercise. Please know that you are not alone. These are common problems and though there is no quick, easy solution-you do have options and cosmetic surgery in the skilled, experienced hands of a board certified Plastic Surgeon is able to accomplish dramatic, transformative changes for your body.

YOU CAN EXPECT

One or more body lifting procedure can remove the loose skin resulting from rapid massive weight loss, such as following gastric bypass surgery, Eliminate the unwanted fat which contributes to bulges and rolls, Your Body Lift may involve surgery to remove/excise excess tissues, or a non surgical option to remodel your skin and make it tighter.

YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

The ability to return to work right after a nonsurgical treatment, A swift recovery because of the innovative surgical techniques that Dr. Gartner uses so you can get back to work in a week or two if you’ve had a body surgery, No more irritation and discomfort caused by sagging skin, The freedom and joy of showing off your weight loss and firmer body contour, Further weight loss with significant skin removal- skin weighs a lot!

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

If you have lost over 50 lbs and have been able to maintain your weight loss for a few months, but are unhappy with sagging skin that won’t go away, then a body lift may be suitable for you. You should be in stable, good health and understand that if surgery is involved, scarring will result.

Please note that additional weight loss or pregnancy after your treatment may negate your results, making another procedure necessary. This is part of the reason why we recommend patients achieve a healthy BMI, lose their intended weight and maintain a stable, target weight for at least a few months before planning surgery.

YOUR CONSULTATION

You’ll have a private, one-on-one discussion with Dr. Gartner regarding your aesthetic goals. He will examine you, discuss your concerns and review your medical history to determine which type of body lift would be most suitable for you. You will be welcomed to ask questions. Your body lift treatment may involve surgery to remove excess skin and fat. It may also involve non-surgical treatments if surgery is deemed too invasive.

Your consultation is an opportunity for you to find out everything you’d like to know about your treatment. Dr. Gartner spends an extended amount of time with you during a body lift consultation because there are many considerations to discuss, options are as varied and unique as our patients, and because he doesn’t want you to feel rushed in making your decision.

CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS

Those who related to surgery: Wound dehiscence, Seroma, Hematoma, Infection, Irregular scarring

Those related to non-surgical treatments: Burns, Blistering, Swelling

YOUR RECOVERY

Your recovery depends on the extent of your treatment. You will receive a list of post-treatment care instructions which you should follow carefully to help ensure that your body recovers efficiently. You can expect a longer recovery period if surgery in one or more areas was involved. However, if non-surgical methods were performed, then you may be able to get back to daily activities immediately after your treatment.

You are encouraged to move around leisurely after your treatment to help with your recovery and minimize the risk of blood clots. Gentle walking/strolling is encouraged. Dr. Gartner will advise you to avoid strenuous workouts however for a set amount of time.

AFTER SURGERY

If surgery has been performed, you should expect swelling, bruising and discomfort. Typically this will reach its maximum within a few days of surgery then gradually subside. Because of the highly specialized pre-emptive anesthesia techniques Dr. Gartner uses, patients experience less pain post op and the least amount of inflammation possible. Pain medication to help manage discomfort will be prescribed. You can expect to feel that the majority of discomfort or bruising is resolved by 2-3 weeks after your procedure. Sensitivity and soreness in areas treated with liposuction can persist along with residual swelling but these are all temporary and tend to disappear gradually over a period of a few months. Redness is common after non-surgical skin tightening. This will fade in a few hours.

The scientific study, Effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery on the skin and the extracellular matrix[1], found that the skin quality of patients who experienced massive weight loss following bariatric surgery was poor, due to unhealthy collagen structure, low elastin levels, and stretch mark formation.

YOUR RESULTS

After swelling and bruising have subsided, you’ll finally be able to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of your massive weight loss without being hidden by sagging skin. You’ll join the ranks of our many other happy patients for whom the body lift surgery achieved quite a dramatic improvement in body contour. You will finally be able to move freely- step up your exercise routine and shop for some new, figure-flattering clothes!